Bulldog

by James Patterson, Mike Lupica

An investigative journalist goes searching for her next blockbuster case—then wishes she hadn’t found The Traveler.

My name is Gracie Bronte. I’m an investigative journalist in New York City. My nickname is “Bulldog.” When someone is murdered, I won’t rest until I hunt their killer down. I’m a consummate New Yorker. I know every street. Every building. Every hidden gem. Every dark corner. I know all the cops and they know me. Now I’m hunting a vicious killer, the Traveler, who thinks he’s smarter than I am. Maybe. Maybe not. But has the Traveler ever fought against a bulldog?

400 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication January 11, 2027

About the author

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James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, Michael Crichton, and Viola Davis, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[J Kromrie]

Thanks to Little Brown and company and Netgalley for this eARC.

Bulldog is a brisk, punchy thriller with Patterson/Lupica’s trademark momentum, but its emotional beats and character depth land more softly than intended, making it an entertaining—if not fully gripping—entry in their growing catalog.

Bulldog delivers exactly what you expect from a Patterson/Lupica collaboration: a fast-moving plot, clean prose, and a protagonist who barrels through conflict with stubborn determination. It’s a book that reads quickly and confidently, but not one that lingers long after you close it.

The story centers on a small-town investigate journalist, Gracie, whose tenacity earns her the nickname “Bulldog,” and the setup has plenty of potential—legal intrigue, local corruption, and a hero who refuses to back down. Yet the novel rarely digs beneath the surface of those elements. The mystery unfolds with efficiency, but without the layered tension or emotional stakes that could have elevated it beyond a straightforward procedural.

Characterization is serviceable rather than memorable. The protagonist’s grit is clear, but his inner life feels thin, and supporting characters orbit the plot without gaining much dimension. The dialogue snaps, the pacing moves, but the people within the story never fully take shape.

Where the book succeeds is in its accessibility. Patterson and Lupica know how to keep pages turning, and the narrative’s momentum never stalls. The legal maneuvering is easy to follow, the twists are cleanly delivered, and the final act ties its threads together with satisfying clarity—even if the resolution feels more neat than impactful.

Readers who enjoy compact, plot-first thrillers will find Bulldog reliably entertaining. It’s a solid, uncomplicated read: energetic, competent, and occasionally clever, though not one that pushes beyond the familiar contours of the genre.

[Thomas]

Thanks to Janes Patterson; Mike Lupica; Little, Brown and Company; and NetGalley for access to the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Grace Bronte is an investigative journalist in New York City who has written true crime books and post regularly on substack. She has taken up the cause of identifying and catching a serial killer labeled “Traveler” due to the murders he has committed occurring over a broad area. Rather than go alone, she assembles a team of experts to her track down the killer – but it is a race against time to catch him before he strikes again.

As expected, this book is well written and the pacing is good. The characters are interesting and their dialog is realistic and relatable. I enjoyed trying to figure out who the killer was as the story went on – the clues were there and they developed over time. A good read.

[Julie]

Another Patterson/Lupica five olden star read.
Gracie is a,world-class media star whose her podcasts and publications have made her a household name.
When she decides to set her media eye on a serial killer who is slashing throats and targeting women, she goes all out to try to draw the killer out. Joined in her search by a renowned but retired NYPD detective and a world class tech hacker known to have worked with the CIA, Mossad and other internationally known investigative units,
she becomes fixated on drawing the killer out into the open.
Great read with non stop suspense, action and a little subtle humor occasionally served up on the side.
Characters are absolutely captivating with quirky but intriguing personalities.
There HAS to be a next edition........

[Courtney]

This book started out great. I could not put it down. I was so invested in the characters: Gracie, Walshe, Noah and Yee. The cat and mouse with the traveler was really fun. And the added bonus of the slasher kept me hooked. Somewhere around the middle I felt it dropped off a bit in pace, and I didn’t really understand the motives of the killers. It seemed a little ridiculous. But overall, the book was addictive and I really enjoyed it.

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.